That First Minute (poem) by Charles B. Neff on AuthorsDen

That First Minute
by Charles B. Neff → (All Poetry by Charles B. Neff)
Rated "G" by the Author.

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While writing and recollecting, I tried to retrieve various events, and impressions about them, from earlier in my life. Soon I realized how much of what I remembered was contained in, or at least triggered by, by the first minute of those experiences.
That First Minute That first minute. How you want it To last forever. Or to disappear. It holds so much: a first impression That never quite abandons you. As joyful as a meadow full of flowers. Or as painful as a loss for words You discover later and wish you had used. Everything collects in that first minute. The seductive sound of a strange language, Meaning just beyond the edge of your brain. Smells that fix a unique place, Which, as they touch your senses again, Put you instantly back there once more. Later you live with special people And life gifts you other pleasures. But those first minutes have a grip on you. They are index, catalogue and cheat sheet Our first and most-used references. I don’t remember all of them all all the time, But they’re there to refresh me, Quietly waiting their turn in memory. Charles B. Neff 7/9/2010

Reviewed by Regis Schilken

Reviewed on January 28, 2011

Interesting poem, Charles. How I wish I had made a good impression on impressionable people over the years!

rege

Reviewed by Paul Judges

Reviewed on July 13, 2010

Very well penned, Charles

Reviewed by Elisabeth Barstowe

Reviewed on July 12, 2010

Well written! That's the best description I've read of senses working together to bring powerful memories back.

Reviewed by Jms Bell

Reviewed on July 11, 2010

AND THANK GOD FOR THEM...FOR THE FLOOD OUR MINDS JUST WHEN WE SO DEARLY NEED THEM! WELL DONE, CHARLES AND THANKS SO MUCH FOR SHARING. LOVE AND BLESSINGS, JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS